What does periodontic mean?
Periodontology refers to a type of dentistry that concerns the supporting structures of the teeth and the various diseases relevant to them. These supporting structures include the gingiva (the gums), the alveolar bone, the periodontal ligament, and the cementum.
At Brunswick Family Dental, we've helped a lot of people prevent or fully recover from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can affect people of all ages. The primary cause of gum disease is the build-up of plaque on the teeth, which forms a hard calcified deposit called tartar. Tartar attracts the bacteria that causes gum disease like gingivitis (inflamed gums), which can lead to more serious cases of gum disease like periodontitis. Periodontitis is quite severe, as it can dissolve the bone around your teeth and cause tooth loss.
However, an early diagnosis and the right care can reverse the effects of gum disease. That's why it's essential to contact your dentist if you start to show any symptoms of gum disease, including:
error_outline INDICATIONS FOR Gum Disease Treatment (Periodontics):
This treatment may be needed in the following situations:
- Swollen Gums: A common sign of gum disease is gums that have become swollen or puffy.
- Bad Breath: If tartar is allowed to build up on your teeth and gums, it will eventually work itself underneath your gum line. The pockets it creates under your gum line will become infected and emit a foul odour (halitosis) that minty gum and mouthwash are unable to fix.
- Discoloured Gums: If your gums are purple, bright red, or an unusually dark red, they may be showing signs of infection.
- Pain When Chewing: Experiencing pain while chewing is a symptom of several dental issues, including cavities, a faulty crown or filling, and gum disease.
- Receding Gums: Though you may not notice your gums physically receding, your teeth may start to look longer than usual.
- Loose Teeth: Another sign of gum disease, albeit less common than swollen gums, is loose teeth and tooth loss. This is a sign that your gum disease is no longer in its early stages and that you should seek help from a professional immediately.
- Bleeding Gums: If plaque and tartar build up on and underneath your gum line, your gums may start to bleed. You might notice this blood when you spit after brushing or flossing your teeth. There may also be a slight pink tinge on your toothbrush.
What are the benefits of periodontic care?
Though periodontic treatments are usually medically necessary, there are several other benefits to receiving them. These benefits range from cosmetic to preventative, including:
done_all KEY BENEFITS TO Gum Disease Treatment (Periodontics) MAY INCLUDE:
- Improved Appearance: Experiencing symptoms like discoloured, bleeding, and receding gums can have a major effect on your confidence. That's why we're here to give you the care you need to fully restore your smile!
- Restored Chewing: Once you receive the appropriate periodontic treatment, your ability to chew will be restored! That means you can go back to eating all your favourite foods after your gums and teeth have fully healed.
- Eliminated Odour: Periodontic treatments will eliminate the foul-smelling deposits underneath your gum line, restoring your natural breath and your confidence.
- Strengthened Gums: Our periodontic care will help your gums return to their original strength, which means no more recession and no more bleeding.
- Saved Teeth: Losing your teeth is a symptom of gum disease that no dentist can fully reverse. When you receive treatment early, you'll be able to save your teeth that would've been lost had the disease progressed.
How long do these procedures take?
A plaque removal will only take about 30 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on the amount and severity of plaque on your teeth. Root planing tends to take a bit longer and is usually divided into two separate visits.
As with plaque removal, the amount of time required to complete a root planing will depend largely on the severity of your condition. However, doing just one side of your mouth can take about an hour on average.
Where can I receive periodontic dentistry?
Unlike general or cosmetic dentistry, not all dental practices offer periodontic dentistry. That's why we here at Brunswick Family Dental are proud to provide a variety of high-quality periodontic treatments. We consider it our responsibility to offer these important treatments, especially as we are one of the largest clinics in Melbourne's inner northern suburbs.
Our team of eight dentists and four oral hygienists/child therapists have all the equipment and experience necessary to provide the periodontic dentistry you need. Since our founding over 20 years ago, we've proven ourselves as a reliable resource for precise and efficient dentistry.
If you're in need of periodontic care, please don't hesitate to contact Brunswick Family Dental. The sooner you receive treatment, the less likelihood there is of developing severe gum disease. You can reach out to us to ask questions or book an appointment by calling (03) 9386 7225, emailing reception@bfds.com.au, or completing our online enquiry form. You're also welcome to speak with us in person by visiting our practice in Brunswick at 44 De Carle Street.
How to Book
location_on Our Location:
- 44 DE CARLE STREET (CNR ALBION ST), BRUNSWICK VICTORIA VIC
